Carpets N More

Nothing can completely transform a room’s ambiance and feel quite like carpet.  Carpet can change your room’s appearance, style, and comfort. But not all carpets are made the same, and each unique design and pattern gives you the opportunity to pick the perfect solution for tailoring your carpet to your home’s design style.  

Installing carpet can be quite challenging as well as take a toll on your body; however, if you are interested in how the process is done, we put together a step by step guide to break down for you.  Some carpet is glued down while others may be installed over a pad.  For this article, we will be primarily focusing on traditional, residential carpet installed over padding.  Remember, carpet installation is best left for the professionals and can be quite challenging, but this series will show you all you need to know on how carpet is installed in a home.

Supplies

Most carpet comes in twelve-foot rolls to make it easier to install as well as transport, yet unfortunately, not all rooms are exactly twelve feet wide or smaller-this means you will need to seam your carpet to get the perfect wall to wall appeal.  Here is a list everything you would need to have to install your carpet in your home:

• Carpet of your choice
• Padding
• Tackless Strip
• Floor Scraper
• Broom and Dust Pan
• Pry Bar
• Measuring Tape
• Hook Knife
• Carpet blade with many replacement blades
• Screw Driver
• Hammer
• Pad Stapler and Staples
• Duct tape or Masking Tape
• Carpet Kicker
• Carpet Stretcher
• Extension Cord
• Seam tape
• Seam Iron
• Seam Weight
• Carpet Tracker
• Straight Edge
• Right Angle
• Top Cutter Blade
• Row Finder
• Wall Trimmer
• Knee Pads
• Chisel or Carpet Wall Tucker

There are a lot of tools and time involved in installing carpet. It is best to leave this task for professionals. But once you have all your supplies ready, you can begin your take up process and prep work. Check out DIY Guide for Installing Carpet | Part Two to find out more!

You have spent hours determining what would be the perfect color for your walls, and then you realize “what about the interior trim?” The trim is the finishing touch that does not often get much attention. Many people choose to simply leave the trim the color that it has always been without giving consideration to the beautiful alternatives available. Whether you are thinking of applying a fresh coat of white paint to the trim or using another bold hue on it, here are some ways you can get the look you want:

White Trim

Of course, classic white is always a great choice. Whether you have a plain trim or a more elaborate trim molding, using white paint is always a safe choice. White also works well with colored walls or even white walls. When you pair a white trim with a bold-hued wall or an accent wall, the white trim will further highlight or frame the wall. Also, using white on the trim is a great way to tone down a dominant wall color. The white trim will steal some of the surface area, and the bold hue will not seem as if it is swallowing the entire room.

Neutral Trim

Dressing the trim in a neutral shade is bound to give the room a look of sophistication. Giving the trim a neutral color like grey or brown will create a stately appeal — a neutral trim pairs wonderfully with traditional decor. However, if your style leans more towards contemporary, you can add more modern furnishing to give the room more character. Opt for a neutral trim if you want to highlight an architectural feature, if you have a colored ceiling or if you love a transitional style.

Bold Trim

Are you interested in stepping outside the box by painting the trim a bold color? Since trim typically consists of a small strip of the surface, using bright colors like pink, blue, yellow, or green introduces a pop of color to the space. Bold color trim may be an ideal trim choice for you if you want an eclectic look or if you want to add a new hue without going all out on the walls.

What are your thoughts on trim colors? We would love to hear your opinions in the comment section.

Decorating your home can be both the most exciting and overwhelming project that you have ever done. No doubt, your mind is swarming with tons of design for ideas; therefore, making the final decision on what color scheme you should use is difficult. That is where the 60-30-10 Rule comes into play. This timeless method has helped homeowners put together a color scheme that best complements their home. In fact, it brings balance to the colors used in any space. Let’s see how!

How Do I Use the 60-30-10 Rule?

Sixty Percent

It is a relatively simple concept to use. Sixty percent should be the main color of your room. More than likely, this dominant color would be used on the walls. This rule ensures that the dominant color anchors the space while serving as a backdrop for the color that comes next.

Thirty Percent

The thirty percent is the secondary color. You will be using half as much color as the dominant color. This secondary color should complement the primary; however, they should be distinct enough where a difference could be noted. The thirty percent color can be used on an accent wall, drapes, chairs, and your bedding set.

Ten Percent

Finally, your ten percent serves as your accent color. In a bedroom, the 10% color will be reflected in throw pillows, your bedside lamp, or even a picture hanging on the wall.

Using the 60-30-10 Rule makes it extremely easy to select colors for your decorating scheme since all you need is three colors.

The flooring you choose is a fundamental component of your home. Each flooring can generate a theme in the room as well as come with its own sets of functionalities. You want to make sure you are selecting the best flooring option for your home’s need. In a rental property, you want to find a cost-effective floor that can take a beating from your residents and does not need to be replaced repeatedly between renters. To help, here are three things you should know:

Appealing to the Masses

You want to find an aesthetically-pleasing floor to help close the sale on your home. Never pick a trendy flooring style for rental properties. While this may be your favorite flooring choice, tailoring your floor to the market is vital. Find out what other rental properties use in the surrounding areas.

Durability

Durability is also paramount. Ideally, you want the flooring to last longer than your tenants’ stay and into your next set of renters. However, this may not always happen. Look for durable, stain-resistant carpet if you decide to add soft flooring. If you want a more solid surface option, you have four primary contenders: tile, vinyl planking, solid hardwood, and engineered hardwood. Each has its pros and cons. Some of the floorings cannot handle high humidity or wet areas very well. Make sure you know which floorings are best in which environments before investing.

Affordability

Your next key factor will be affordability. You really need to invest in your market. Find out what is in homes that are renting around your area. “Cheaper” does not always mean it is best for the sale. Try to find an affordable flooring that can continue with the home because flooring is an investment which needs to last. However, do not overspend or personalize a rental to your own desire. While tile and hardwood may seem expensive, there are always less expensive versions of each.

Staying with uniform flooring in the home can help increase the chances of it being rented on the market. Study what renters are looking for in your area and tailor it to them. Never pick a trendy floor or a color that can deter renters. It is all about appealing to the masses while finding an affordable yet durable product.

Everyone loves hardwood floors and their timeless beauty. Not to mention, hardwood is the number one recommend gold standard for floor coverings in the world! From durability to beautiful, hardwood has many features people want in their own homes. Yet, this pristine floor is not ideal for every space. Here are the pros and cons you should know before investing in your hardwood floors:

Pros

Hardwood is a timeless floor that adds instant character and charm to any space. It has withstood the test of time and has been in homes for centuries. You can refinish your hardwood flooring as it wears to make it new over and over. While it can gouge, most hardwood species are extremely resilient to general wear. Being eco-friendly and allergy-friendly, it is ideal for anyone who is looking to be a little greener and cleaner in their homes. This low-maintenance floor is so highly desired, that it is one of the few flooring options that can give a home a high return on investment and up your home’s appraisal value.

Cons

So, with all these pros, it must be perfect for every situation? Not quite. Harwood flooring is beautiful, but it is not the most budget-friendly flooring option on the market. Installation and cost of flooring may be an investment you are not willing to spend. It also does not do justice to dampening sounds or cold conditions. Being a natural, raw element, hardwood flooring can expand and contract. It is vulnerable to water and can easily be damaged by it. Depending on the hardwood, it can be very difficult and usually unfeasible to install in a basement.

What to Look for When Shopping

Recognize that not all hardwoods are the same. You can get many different species of hardwoods which can either be easier to scratch or more durable. All species will take staining differently, which is important to keep in mind if you plan on redoing the floor. Decide if you want an engineered floor or solid hardwood floor. Knowing all these can be impactful to your final decision.

We all love hardwood floors! Putting them in your home is an excellent investment. Make sure to check with your Carpets N More sales representative to see if hardwood floors are right for you. For more information on our hardwood products, visit us here. Thanks for reading!

When decorating your living room, homeowners often place a priority on selecting the right upholstery, wall color, and curtains, but the same emphasis should be placed on using a good lighting scheme. After all, the living room is where you entertain guests, hang out with family, watch television, and read books. Lighting is essential for both function and the overall look of the room. It also sets the mood in the room. Since the living room is likely the first room that your guests will enter, you want to make sure you are setting the right tone. Here are tips for effectively lighting up the living room:

Layering Lighting

A pleasant living room lighting scheme uses different types of lighting that sit at different levels within the room and work together to add warmth and intimacy. You can layer lighting by using multiple lighting fixtures within the space. For instance, in addition to overhead lighting, you might want to include lamps on the end tables. Opt for dimmers since they allow you to control the level of lighting in the room according to the activity that’s taking place.

Additionally, there are three lighting strategies that you can implement in your living room:

Accent Lighting

Accent lighting is suitable for accentuating specific areas of the living room. If you want to bring attention to an architectural feature such as the fireplace or a piece of artwork, accent lighting is the best way to go. Use recessed adjustable light fixtures that highlight the area of interest. Accent lighting should illuminate as much as five times more than the other lighting sources your use within the room.

Ambient Lighting

Ambient lighting will provide overall illumination in the living room area. You can use overhead lights such as a chandelier, mounted wall fixtures, or a lamp. Ambient lighting is crucial because it is the general source of lighting and must be of quality. Be sure to look for high-quality pieces that add your room’s overall lighting.

Decorative Lighting

Decorative lighting adds some visual interest to the living room. You can use unique table lamps, hanging pendants and other decorative lighting fixtures to add that extra hint of coziness. Additionally, decorative lighting adds more personalization to the room. It is your chance to add a little bit of style and flair to your living room design.

Finish off your living room design with window coverings and floors from Carpets N More. With a wide selection of products available at reasonable prices, you are sure to find something you absolutely love. Visit us today for more information!

There is nothing that brings the outdoors inside better than plant life. Plants will add that natural element to your home that it may be missing from your design. If you have not planted inside prior, you may want to weigh out some of your options. You can have easy to maintain plants like bamboo and more difficult plants like orchids. Plants come in all different shapes and sizes. You should research plants before buying them and consider if they are pet-friendly, shade tolerant, need direct sunlight, need extra humidity, and if they are easy to kill.

Temporary

Consider how much you are willing to invest in your plant. Some plants can just be temporary like cut roses you sit in a vase for a couple of days, whereas others may be around for quite some time. Also, determine how big your plant will get and if it will eventually need to be moved outside. Plants are great to put as a centerpiece on tables and even as accent trees in corners.

Easy

If you are worried about taking on your first plant, you can take on an easy plant like succulents or cacti. Low-maintenance plants should not die if you forget to water them. Also growing herbs in your kitchen like parsley or cilantro is a fun hobby if you like to cook. Try keeping your first plant in a room that you find yourself in most of the day as this will help you to remember to water it as well.

Faux

Maybe keeping a plant alive is not your thing; try faux plants. These are great for adding greenery to rooms and can be put in hard-to-reach areas as well. Faux plants are great because you have no maintenance, so you can put them just about anywhere in your home to add some green to the room. Try putting them up above your kitchen cabinets or even on a bookshelf. It is incredible what a little green plant can do to a room aesthetics.

Adding plants around your home is a great way to make it feel livelier. Keep plants by windows so they can get their needed sunlight and do not forget to water them. Whether you go with a beautiful bush or a cactus, this is a great addition for any home.

Having your first baby can be exciting! Your home is the sanctuary your child will be raised in, and everything must be perfect. You aspire to give your child the best and safest life possible; however, your home is not childproof yet, and the baby is on the way! Everything must be perfect, and you have never done this before in your life! The stress is common, so just relax, take a deep breath. These three simple tricks can get your home childproof and baby friendly, quickly and efficiently:

Safety

Your first and utmost responsibility is your child’s safety. Babies will crawl around and bump into anything they can. Make sure that nothing can fall off tabletops or counters if the baby pushes it. You may want to provide soft surfaces in your home in rooms the infant will be. Carpet and rugs are both child-friendly for falls. Keep in mind your daily responsibilities, for example, hot liquids like coffee should not be left unattended. You will also need to keep a keen eye out for any choking hazards and remove them from the room.

Nursery

You will also want to create a nursery or a bedroom for your child. All outlets should have outlet covers, soft flooring should be installed, and dangerous corners of furniture should be covered. You can decorate the nursery however you would like and what fits best for your baby. You may want to have a chair to sit in, a changing station, and toys readily available.

Supplies

Put together some supplies prior to your baby’s arrival. Diapers, rash ointment, first-aid kits, and baby soap are a good start. You may want a baby monitor for when you are not in the room as well. Do not forget to invest in feeding bottles, pacifiers, sippy cups, and a stroller. All these investments bought pre-birth can save you time! If you are looking to save money, having a baby shower or sprinkle can help you acquire items that you may not be able to afford on your own.

We are excited for you, and congratulations on your baby! Get your home baby ready with these simple tactics. Do not stress and slowly get your supplies. This is an experience of a lifetime.

Whether you live in a small home, apartment, studio, or loft, you understand the struggle of a small space living. Being able to facilitate every square foot of the room is critical! While it can feel daunting at times to maneuver through your space, it is essential to understand the fundamentals of what makes our homes feel small. Being able to maximize your space and understanding different tactics to make it feel larger is vital! To help, we gathered the four most important tricks you need to use in your home:

Light Colors

How light travels through a room affects our perception of a space. A room with a dark ceiling may feel like it does not have much height. Likewise, a room with dark walls can feel very confined and limiting. Simply adding light, airy colors, you can make a room feel larger. You can incorporate this in your paint theme, furniture, and décor. Light colors do not always have to be neutral; you can add light pastels as well to keep the room feeling open yet colorful.

Airy Curtains

Natural light will also allow a room to feel more open. By adding light, transparent curtains, you can allow more natural light to enter the atmosphere. Airy curtains will make the space feel more elegant and larger.

Smaller Rug

Area rugs are great at making a room feel more inviting. However, some people get the size wrong. An area rug does not need to feel like a wall to wall carpet. A small area rug does not set boundaries to the room but adds comfort. Investing in the right size area rug can visually open the room more.

Open Furniture

Lastly, invest in open furniture. Minimalistic furniture can prevent setting boundaries. Envision a bulky, ornate bookshelf in a room. Now, picture one that is more open and less pack. The more open layout bookshelf will allow you to see the walls. It prevents setting boundaries in our minds, and this can help make a room look larger.

Do not let your small home restrain you from your ultimate design. Finding and manipulating your space takes time, but is worth the endeavors. How do you get the most out of your small space? Let us know in the comment section below and make sure to subscribe.

When it comes to interior design, most people fear using bold colors. If you are not afraid of using color or are interested in dabbling with hues in your living space, you might want to consider investing in a bold colored sofa. In fact, a vibrant hued sofa can liven up your living room and completely transform a space. Introducing color through furniture is a great place to start. Here are four sofa colors you might want to try:

Blue

Are you slowly developing a tolerance for color? If so, consider infusing the space with a deep, luxurious blue-hued sofa. Blue is a color that most people can easily tolerate since it is calming and still considered traditional. In addition, a blue colored sofa can complement a range of decor styles and designing a living room around such a piece is not a challenge.

From light baby blue to deep navy, there are many different types of blues you can select for your sofa color. If you want to make a significant impact, you should opt for a vibrant, blue color. Depending on the shade, you can pair it with neutral elements and natural materials.

Green

Green is another calming color that looks great in any living room style. Since green is often associated with nature, it is bound to make you feel relaxed and at ease. When searching for the perfect green couch, consider investing in an emerald-hued sofa. Emerald is a rich color that gives off luxe vibes. A green sofa works well in a contemporary or traditional style room. Also, emerald works well with other colors such as pink, yellow, and blue.

Yellow

Yellow has come a long way in the design world. It is no longer associated with a dated style. Just think, a vibrant yellow sofa can inject so much life and energy into a space. From mustard, buttercup to sunshine yellow, there are a variety of shades you can choose from in the yellow family. Yellow is a sleek and clean color that pairs beautifully with neutrals and other vibrant hues.

Purple

Purple may be the last color you would think to use in your living space, but a purple sofa could be just the thing that your living room is missing. Purple is often associated with elegance and makes for the perfect piece if you desire to inject richness and character into your living room. For a royal touch, be sure to try out a purple sofa.

Which sofa color sparks the most interest in you? We would love to hear your thoughts below in the comment section!